Canada
Evoplay: Getting ready for Ontario
Evoplay has proven itself as one of LatAm and Europe’s most innovative game studios in recent years, with a host of industry awards for its ground-breaking titles, including the RPG-based ‘Dungeon: Immortal Evil’ and the space-based shoot ‘em up, ‘Star Guardians.’
As the award-winning provider gears up for its first debut in North America, we sat down with Evoplay’s Head of Sales, Ihor Zarechnyi to talk through the supplier’s exciting launch in Canada’s largest market, Ontario.
With Evoplay’s Canadian debut getting closer and closer, can you tell us about your initial plans for the market?
We’re very excited to be gearing up for our launch in Ontario. We have no doubt that Canada will be a major growth opportunity for us, with the market being one of the most favourable for iGaming businesses given its transparent and clear regulatory framework. We’ll be putting a lot of effort into our marketing efforts, including network promotions, and I’m very confident that our games will be incredibly well-received by Canadian players. I can certainly hint that we’ve got some big expectations with some of Canada’s leading operators, so you’ll have to watch this space!
I would also hope that our hard-earned reputation will precede us before our launch in the market – we’re proud to be known as a studio that creates high-quality graphics, engaging gameplay and innovative features. We’re also committed to providing a safe and secure gaming experience for all of our players, so I have no doubt that we have an excellent platform for success.
What potential do you see in the market and why have you and your commercial team earmarked the market as a key location for growth? Could it be a stepping-stone into the US?
As we’ve already touched on, we see a lot of potential here. As our first point of entry into North America as a whole. I have no doubt that Ontario will be a great platform for that expansion.
Taking our content into Canada’s largest market will no doubt enable us to promote our brand and also establish trust with players – we can’t wait to get started!
Looking at demographics, Canada is growing rapidly, and we want to tap into that. In total, the potential of online casino players is expected to reach 10 million by 2025 – which makes it a force to be reckoned with. iGaming is already a firmly entrenched form of entertainment, and we’re very excited to be filling that demand.
On top of that, the Ontario regulator has a very progressive framework for regulation, which will be conducive to the market’s continued growth.
As to future plans beyond Ontario, I can certainly hint that we’re already talking with some of the largest players in the US market, so without a doubt, some very exciting times lie ahead.
Looking at your award-winning portfolio of games, do you have any particular titles in mind for entertaining Ontario players?
We have a number of highly engaging games in our armoury that we are incredibly excited to share with Ontario players.
Our Bonus Buy games have really resonated with players in the market, which gives them that bit more control over their experience. Sold It Bonus Buy is a particularly captivating title with this option and features an exciting Free Spins round that includes Sticky Wild multipliers which players can purchase with pre-added Wild symbols. Similarly, Redrose Sanctuary Bonus Buy gives players the chance to buy the Free Spins round with different multiplier amounts.
Fishing games are also incredibly popular on the market right now. When paired with Bonus Buy, it is no wonder why The Greatest Catch Bonus Buy is another top performer for us and one we anticipate a strong reaction from in Canada.
With North America’s rich land-based casino history, a retro-themed game always goes down well. Our Hot Triple Sevens slot is a prime example of this, melding a traditional slot theme with innovative features. This is also seen in our classic instant lottery game Scratch Match consisting of simple, straightforward rules that make for a fast-paced and exciting gaming experience.
Your football-themed instant games have certainly made a splash across LatAm and Europe, does Evoplay have ice hockey-themed games in mind for Canadians?
Evoplay is always looking for new ways to entertain players, and of course we know all too well that ice hockey is Canada’s most popular sport! So, in line with that, we’ve seen our football-themed instant games perform great where football is the most popular, so we’d no doubt look to repeat that for Canada. In terms of development, it’s definitely something we’ve got in the pipeline, as I have no doubt that repeating our instant games’ success be incredibly well received! It’s still in the early stages of development, but I have no doubt that it’ll be live in the next year, and I’m sure it will prove to be a massive hit with Canadian players.
We’re seeing plenty of interest in Esports among the latest generation of players, can that cross-over into casino?
Yes, there can be plenty of cross-over. Esports is a rapidly growing industry, and it is attracting an entirely new generation of gamers. Of course, it goes without that saying that they’re tech-savvy and looking for new and exciting ways to play.
If we look at total market potential – estimates put the aggregated global player base for casino at $335 billion by 2025. So of course, within that, there’s a significant portion available. As to what they’re looking for, slots inspired by mechanics and themes one sees in video games certainly go a long way. A great example of this is our 2022 flagship slot, Star Guardians, which is heavily inspired by third-person shooters – set in space in the year 2777 in the midst of an interplanetary war.
In many ways, we’re still in the early stages of cross-over, as it’s still an emerging demographic, but I have no doubt that this is one to be watched and will likely continue to grow in the future. There’s plenty of options to consider – from Esports teams partnering with casino operators to create new branded games and promotions, over to sponsorship of teams and even Esports events held at real casinos! Of course, we follow all these trends at Evoplay and it’s certainly an audience that will be focusing hard on entertaining.
Canada
Group from Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe and Great Canadian Entertainment Announce Agreement for the Acquisition of Elements Casino Chilliwack
Great Canadian Entertainment and a consortium group of certain communities from the Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe, through an entity affiliated with Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe Management Ltd. (the “Ts’elxwéyeqw Group”), announced that on November 7th, 2025, they entered into a definitive agreement for the purchase by the Ts’elxwéyeqw Group from Great Canadian Entertainment of Elements Casino Chilliwack, one of the premier gaming and entertainment destinations in the Fraser Valley region of British Columbia.
The Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe constitute seven First Nation communities and are the First People of the Chilliwack River watershed. The transaction represents a transformational milestone for the communities within the Ts’elxwéyeqw Group.
Elements Casino Chilliwack serves guests across the Fraser Valley and is Chilliwack’s top destination for gaming and entertainment, featuring over 300 slots, live and electronic table games, bingo, dining, live entertainment and more.
The closing of the transaction remains subject to customary closing conditions and the receipt of regulatory and other approvals. Under the terms of the definitive agreement, Great Canadian Entertainment will continue to provide transitional services and support to the Ts’elxwéyeqw Group for a period following closing.
“This purchase marks an exciting milestone for our Nations and for the entire territory. By coming together in partnership, we are not only investing in a strong business opportunity, but also in the future of our people. The revenues generated through this acquisition will help strengthen our communities, create new opportunities, and ensure our Nations continue to play a leading role in the local economy. Additionally, we believe that local community-based ownership of Elements Casino Chilliwack will further strengthen the broader Fraser Valley community and economy. It’s a proud moment that reflects how Indigenous leadership and collaboration can build a stronger, more inclusive future for everyone,” said Chief David Jimmie, Chief of Squiala First Nation and President of Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe Management Ltd.
“We are very excited to have entered into this agreement with the Ts’elxwéyeqw Group. We have had the privilege of being part of the Chilliwack community since we opened Elements Casino Chilliwack in 2012, and we believe that under the Ts’elxwéyeqw Group’s stewardship, the business will begin an exciting new chapter. For the team members and guests of Elements Casino Chilliwack, and the local community, we can think of no better owner for the business. We look forward to the closing and then working with the Ts’elxwéyeqw Group team during the transition period,” said Matt Anfinson, CEO of Great Canadian Entertainment.
McCarthy Tétrault LLP is acting as legal advisor and KPMG Corporate Finance Inc. is acting as financial advisor to the Ts’elxwéyeqw Group. McMillan LLP is acting as legal advisor to Great Canadian Entertainment.
The post Group from Ts’elxwéyeqw Tribe and Great Canadian Entertainment Announce Agreement for the Acquisition of Elements Casino Chilliwack appeared first on Americas iGaming & Sports Betting News.
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The Canadian iGaming market has evolved from an emerging opportunity into one of the most competitive and innovative digital gaming arenas worldwide. Ontario’s regulated framework has paved the way for rapid expansion, attracting established international operators alongside ambitious newcomers that are carving out share through brand differentiation and data-driven acquisition.
Methodology: How Growth Was Measured
To understand which casino brands are gaining momentum and why, the award-winning Mr. Gamble Casino Trends Meter—a proprietary performance index powered by Semrush, Ahrefs, in-house click tracking, market benchmarks, and predictive analytics—analyzed year-over-year (YoY) performance from January–June 2024 versus January–June 2025. The results point to a vibrant, fiercely competitive landscape where execution, trust, and experience are the real drivers of sustained growth.
Brands Showing Standout Growth in 2025
Strong outperformance highlights different paths to scale
Wild Tokyo posted an extraordinary +134% YoY, showing how bold branding, a distinctive identity, and targeted acquisition can resonate with players seeking unique experiences. Clean yet edgy design, paired with robust SEO execution and engagement programs, helped the brand cut through a crowded market.
LuckyDays delivered +110% YoY by striking a balance between simplicity and substance. A minimalistic UX, a vast game library, and strong affiliate relationships have positioned it as a trusted destination for Canadian players.
BetVictor, a legacy operator with deep roots, recorded +107% YoY. Its evolution from traditional bookmaker to diversified iGaming powerhouse underscores how credibility and adaptability can translate into modern growth.
Agile mid-tier brands are also accelerating: SlotsMagic at +94% and Betibet at +88% demonstrate how focused SEO, analytics-led decision making, and smart promotional strategy can punch above weight.
Crypto-forward momentum and broader market depth
The joint rise of BetFury and SmokAce—both at +74%—signals growing acceptance of crypto and blockchain-based gaming among Canadian users, driven by transparency, fast payments, and a tech-forward ethos.
Meanwhile, Paripesa, Mond, and ComeOn maintained robust double-digit YoY growth, underscoring the market’s depth and diversity beyond a handful of headline names.
Market Maturity: Compliance, Trust, and UX Win
As more provinces explore regulated frameworks modeled on Ontario, competition is intensifying. The brands pulling ahead are those investing in compliance, transparency, and player satisfaction—prioritizing product quality and retention over short-term promotions.
“Players are becoming more selective, more informed, and more focused on trust,” says Paul Puolakka, CMO at Mr. Gamble. “We’re seeing a clear shift toward quality brands that prioritize experience, safety, and innovation—the ones achieving real, sustained growth.”
Puolakka adds: “Data doesn’t just tell us who’s growing—it shows us why. The operators succeeding in Canada are those that deeply understand their audience, use insights effectively, and build long-term value instead of chasing short-term hype.”
Trends Shaping the Next Phase of iGaming in Canada
- Branding + data-led acquisition let emerging brands challenge incumbents more effectively than ever.
- Crypto-friendly casinos are moving from niche to mainstream consideration for Canadian users.
- SEO, content strategy, and affiliate partnerships remain reliable, capital-efficient growth levers.
- Compliance, transparency, and UX are central to sustainable market share gains.
Looking Ahead
The fastest-growing casino brands capture more than impressive statistics—they reflect a market in transformation. With Wild Tokyo setting creative benchmarks and veterans like BetVictor and ComeOn proving that brand equity still matters, Canada’s iGaming sector is entering a phase defined by intelligent growth, regulatory maturity, and player empowerment.
As the industry continues to evolve, the Mr. Gamble Casino Trends Meter remains a useful compass for players, affiliates, and operators navigating this fast-changing landscape.
The post Canadian iGaming Growth Trends 2025: Data, Strategy, and the Brands Defining the Market appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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Ezugi, an innovative live dealer casino supplier known for pushing the boundaries of live gaming, retention, and distribution solutions, is proud to announce a new partnership with PokerStars, the world’s largest online poker site.
Through this partnership, PokerStars’ players in the UK and Ontario will gain access to Ezugi’s standout portfolio, including Revolution Roulette, Ultimate Roulette, Unlimited Blackjack and Lucky 7 online casino games.
PokerStars, launched in 2001, is one of the world’s leading online poker and casino brands and operates as part of Flutter Entertainment. It has grown to become the largest poker site globally, offering the widest selection of online games and hosting prestigious live tournaments.
Formed in 2012, Ezugi is a global live casino provider with a focus on meeting operator and player needs with best-of-breed localised content. The Ezugi games portfolio includes a wide range of live dealer games, many of which are unique. Ezugi became part of Evolution in 2018 and continues to build on its reputation for providing unique and innovative games and solutions for online casino and retail betting shop operators.
Gilad Ben-Ami, Chief Executive Officer at Ezugi, said: “PokerStars’ players already enjoy a wide range of live casino and online slot games from Evolution brands such as Evolution, NetEnt, Red Tiger and Big Time Gaming. Now Ezugi is delighted and honoured to add even more choice for PokerStars’ players with our own innovative games.”
Ben-Ami continued: “The release of Ezugi games to PokerStars clearly demonstrates the rich variety and innovative features of the Ezugi games portfolio. Ultimate Roulette is a unique multiplier Roulette that blends circus-themed fun and TV game show excitement; Revolution Roulette puts a unique spin on classic Roulette by adding special multiplier pockets to the wheel; Unlimited Blackjack allows an unlimited number of players to play at the table, while also featuring Auto-Split functionality and a choice of four side bets – Perfect Pairs, 21+3, Perfect 11 and Ten20; and Lucky 7 is a very popular game with its origins in the Indian subcontinent – a fast-paced, simple and exciting Hi-Lo card game.”
Ben-Ami concluded: “We are confident that PokerStars’ players will love playing these games and we look forward to adding more Ezugi titles for them in the future.”
The post Ezugi partners with PokerStars to further extend live casino game choice for players appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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